Glendale restaurant reopens after complete renovation

Fine dining place becomes a fine place to dine

By Teri Horsley, Contributing Writer 11:44 AM Wednesday, June 17, 2009

The Iron Horse restaurant in Glendale was closed in the spring of 2008 after business suffered from the weak economy. Reopened last fall, the restaurant’s owner says she’s committed to the same quality for which the Iron Horse has long been known, but she’s now offering foods that are friendlier to the family budget.

“We are not a fine dining establishment anymore, but we are a fine place to dine,” said Robin Thomas.

The first thing one will notice upon entering the restaurant is the dramatic change that has been made to the décor. Thomas spent many years working in Vietnam, and the artwork, furniture and color schemes are now patterned after that region. Lighter colors such as coral and green are featured in the main dining room and upstairs lounge, and the paintings on the walls have a definite Asian feel.

The menu has also been changed with the arrival of Executive Chef Nathaniel Blanford in April. Blanford’s long culinary background includes stints working with renowned chef Paul Sturkey at Mesh and Encore Café. As a result, he’s implemented a seasonal menu which features fresh halibut, tuna, salmon and sea scallops in summer, and heavier foods such as duck in winter. The current summer menu also has a wide selection of steaks, chicken and pastas.

“I have and plan to continue a big play on the use of seasonal ingredients,” Blanford said.

The upstairs at Iron Horse, now called Brackers Tavern has lower priced sandwiches and a small plate/Tapas menu. Happy hour runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays with various drink specials at the full service bar. Live music with a focus on jazz and pop, is offered on Friday and Saturday nights.

Thomas has plans to add food and wine tasting parties for both couples and singles beginning in July, and she hopes to eventually hold women’s lectures at the restaurant. Catering is offered and the outdoor patio area is full service and seats 40. Full lunch and dinner menus and a list of upcoming events are listed on the restaurant’s website.

Contact this writer at tlhrsly@cinci.rr.com

How to go:

WHAT: The Iron Horse

WHERE: 40 Village Square, Glendale

WHEN: Lunch: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, Dinner: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tues - Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday/Saturday. Closed Sunday & Monday

COST: Lunch sandwiches are $8 - $10; entrees are $10 - $12. Entrée salads are $9 & $11. Dinner side salads are $3 - $6; appetizers are $7 - $10. Dinner entrees range from $16 - $29.

MORE INFORMATION: (513)772-3333 or www.ironhorseinn.com

CRITICS CHOICE: 8 oz. Filet with Dijon/Horseradish whipped potatoes and grilled asparagus, crab cakes served in a Meyer lemon aioli, and the house salad with home made blackberry vinaigrette dressing and toasted pecans, pickled red onion and goat’s milk cheese.

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